Utility of tonsillectomy in 2 patients with the syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis

Abstract

Objectives: To review the various causes of period fever in childhood, including the syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA), and to examine the value of tonsillectomy in the treatment of PFAPA syndrome.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Urban and tertiary care referral children's hospital.

Patients: Two patients who underwent tonsillectomy for presumed recurrent adenotonsillitis were later diagnosed as having PFAPA syndrome. Intervention Tonsillectomy.

Main outcome measure: Frequency of PFAPA symptoms before and after tonsillectomy.

Results: No difference was found in the frequency of PFAPA symptoms after tonsillectomy.

Conclusion: Although a larger series of patients is required, our initial experience suggests that tonsillectomy is not always beneficial for patients with PFAPA syndrome.